Dallas Police Department Welcomes New Chief Daniel Comeaux
DALLAS – Daniel Comeaux has officially taken the reins as the new chief of the Dallas Police Department (DPD). On his first day, he spoke with reporters about his aspirations and challenges in leading the department.
Meet Chief Daniel Comeaux
Chief Comeaux brings extensive experience in federal law enforcement, having worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Houston for the past four years, as well as holding positions in various locations, including Arizona, California, and Mississippi.
Addressing Crime and Staffing Challenges
As he steps into his new role, Chief Comeaux faces the dual challenge of maintaining the department’s progress in reducing violent crime while adhering to a recent city mandate aimed at expanding police staffing. Currently, the Dallas Police Department comprises approximately 3,100 officers, but recent voter initiatives have set a goal to increase this number to 4,000.
The Dallas City Council has already committed to hiring an additional 300 officers in the next fiscal year, a move Chief Comeaux acknowledges as crucial to community safety.
Interview Insights
Excitement for the Role
“Man, I’m excited to be in this uniform. Going back to where I started as full circle feels really, really good,” said Comeaux during a recent one-on-one interview with FOX 4 reporter Steven Dial.
Community Relations
When asked about the most pressing challenge he faces on his first day, Comeaux stated, “Look, day one, I want to figure out how we can get more officers here. The residents want more officers. The council wants more officers. And I can assure you that the officers want more officers. So we’re going to really work hard to get more.”
He emphasized rebuilding trust with various community segments, particularly in neighborhoods where residents may hesitate to report crime due to fears related to immigration status. “We need to go back to some of the old-school things that police used to do, which is being in the communities,” Comeaux explained. He believes that enhancing community outreach will not only improve public safety but also foster stronger cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
Leading with Integrity
Chief Comeaux is committed to fostering a positive relationship with officers and city officials alike. He declared, “The bottom line for me is I’m just going to do what’s right. Whatever I think is right, that’s what I’m gonna do.” His straightforward approach aims to ensure fairness for all within the department and maintain transparency with city leadership.
An Outsider’s Perspective
During his discussions with the community, Comeaux noted his status as an outsider in Dallas can be an advantage. “I come in. I owe no one any favors,” he remarked, suggesting that this fresh perspective will allow him to take an unprejudiced approach to leadership. He intends to reward those who contribute positively to the department, while also addressing underperformance decisively.
Looking Forward
Following the retirement announcement of interim Chief Michael Igo, Comeaux will assess current command staff to determine any necessary changes. His approach will prioritize enhancing DPD’s effectiveness to better serve the Dallas community.
The Source: This article is based on a one-on-one interview with Chief Daniel Comeaux conducted by FOX 4 reporter Steven Dial.